Remote code execution in Microsoft Excel

1) Code Injection

EUVDB-ID: #VU58070

Risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 6.1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-40442

CWE-ID: CWE-94 - Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to improper input validation in Microsoft Excel. A remote attacker can execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Microsoft SharePoint Server: 2013

Microsoft Office: 2019 for Mac - 2019

Office Online Server: 2016

Microsoft Excel: 2013 RT Service Pack 1 - 2016

Microsoft Office Web Apps Server: 2013 Service Pack 1

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:microsoft_sharepoint_server:2013:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:microsoft_office:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_online_server:2016:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:microsoft_excel:2013_RT_Service_Pack_1:*:*:*:*:microsoft_office:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:microsoft_excel:*:*:*:*:*:microsoft_office:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:microsoft_office_web_apps_server:2013 Service Pack 1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

External links

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-40442

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.